Gary Manier

The organization leading development plans for an outdoor amphitheater along the Peoria side of the Illinois River says it is forging ahead despite the death of its founder late last year.

Former Washington Mayor Gary Manier, the city's longest-serving mayor, was honored Monday with at a city council meeting. Manier did not attend the meeting because of another commitment.

History was made Monday in Washington during the city's bicentennial year. Lilija Stevens, the first female mayor in the city's 200-year history, was sworn in by Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman.

Washington Chief of Police Mike McCoy has announced his retirement, ending a 48-year career in law enforcement.

Washington residents knew they'd have a new mayor this year for the first time since 2001. The question was: Who?

Officials from the Washington Chamber of Commerce and Discover Peoria each made a pitch Monday to the Washington City Council for continued city funding.

Washington City Council began its discussion about possibly adopting a 1% local grocery tax Monday. An ordinance must be approved and a certified copy of the ordinance sent to the Illinois Department of Revenue by Oct. 1 for a local grocery tax to go into effect Jan. 1.

A legal opinion regarding a possible conflict of interest involving Washington Mayor Gary Manier and the foundation that's proposing to build a $12 million amphitheater in the city will not be released to the public.

The City of Washington has some options to repaint a railroad bridge on one of the town's busiest roads.

A new mayor and two new members of the eight-member council will be elected. There are no candidates for a council seat that will be open.